Status
Completed
Material Class
Polymers
specific materials
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE)
20-01-SA-4014

Dynamic Systems Analysis of PET and Olefin Polymers in a Circular Economy

NODE
Technical Thrust
Systems Analysis & Integration
Methods, Tools, & Data
project Members
Yale logo
Michigan technological university logo
RRS resource recycling systems logo
Chemstations logo
INL idaho national laboratory logo
About

The goal of this project is to gain a better understanding of how the manufacturing and recycling processes in a plastics circular economy can be configured to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and provide the greatest benefits economically, and more broadly to society.

PUBLICATIONS

September 13, 2023
Chemical Recycling of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate via Solvent Based Dissolution-Precipitation Technologies: Economic and Environmental Performance Metrics
Journal Article

Chaudhari, U. S., Kulas, D., Peralta, A., Hossain, T., Johnson, A., Hartley, D., ... & Shonnard, D. Chemical Recycling of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Via Solvent Based Dissolution-Precipitation Technologies: Economic and Environmental Performance Metrics. Available at SSRN 4443183.

Pub. Info: RSC Sustainability
March 14, 2024
Liquid Fed Pyrolysis of Polyethylene Films: Environmental and Economic Assessments of Co-located and Remotely-Located Facilities
Journal Article

Chaudhari, U., Kulas, D.G., Peralta, A., Umlor, L., Cronan, A., Hossain, T., Handler, R.M., Johnson, A.T., Keck, B.K., Thompson, V.S., Hartley, D.S., Watkins, D.W., Shonnard, D.R, (2023), "Liquid Fed Pyrolysis of Polyethylene Films: Environmental and Economic Assessments of Co-located and Remotely-Located Facilities", Sustainable Production and Consumption. Submitted.

Pub. Info: Sustainable Production and Consumption
May 23, 2023
PET and Polyolefin Plastics Supply Chains in the State of Michigan: A Systems Analysis Approach
Journal Article
Pub. Info: Frontiers in Sustainability Journal
June 1, 2022
Environmental and Energy Impacts of Current PET and Polyolefin Plastic Material Flows in the United States: A Systems Analysis Approach
Presentation

Chaudhari, U.S. , Johnson, A., Reck, B., Handler, R., Hartley, D., Thompson, V., Frey, J., Young, W., Watkins, D., Shonnard, D. (2022). Environmental and Energy Impacts of Current PET and Polyolefin Plastic Material Flows in the United States: A Systems Analysis Approach. Virtual Oral Presentation, ACS 26th Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference.

Pub. Info: ACS 26th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference
June 1, 2022
Systems Analysis of the PET and Olefin Plastics Supply Chains in the United States: Applications of MFA and LCA Data
Poster

Chaudhari, U.S. , Johnson, A., Reck, B., Handler, R., Hartley, D., Thompson, V., Frey, J., Young, W., Watkins, D., Shonnard, D. (2022). Systems Analysis of the PET and Olefin Plastics Supply Chains in the United States: Applications of MFA and LCA Data | Poster Presentation, Industrial Ecology Gordon Research Conference.

Pub. Info: Industrial Ecology Gordon Research Conference
September 22, 2022
Material Flow Analysis and LCA of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polyolefin Plastics Supply Chains in the United States
Journal Article

Chaudhari, U., Johnson, A., Reck, B., Handler, R., Thompson, V., Hartley, D., Young, W., Peralta, A., Watkins, D. Shonnard, D.R., Material Flow Analysis and LCA of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polyolefin Plastics Supply Chains in the United States, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 10, 39, 13145–13155, https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c04004

Pub. Info: ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c04004
November 1, 2022
Systems Analysis of the PET and Olefin Plastics Supply Chains in the United States: Applications of MFA and LCA Data
Presentation

Chaudhari, U.S. , Johnson, A., Reck, B., Handler, R., Hartley, D., Thompson, V., Young, W., Watkins, D., Shonnard, D. (2022). Systems Analysis of the PET and Olefin Plastics Supply Chains in the United States: Applications of MFA and LCA Data | Oral Presentation, 2022 AIChE Annual Fall Meeting

Pub. Info: 2022 AIChE Annual Fall Meeting

RELATED PROJECTS

April 10-11, 2024 in Washington DC

Register Today!

Conference Agenda Now Available!

Project Search

Project Search

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most important materials for the energy transition. It is used throughout multiple industries including aerospace and automotive. It is especially important for electric vehicles. 

Read More

Steel

Steel is widely used and one of the most energy intensive materials. It is the focus of global decarbonization efforts due to it’s importance to numerous industries including construction, defense, automotive, aerospace, plkus many more.

Read More

Copper

Copper is officially listed as one of the nations most critical minerals. We are working everyday to reduce the U.S.’s reliance on foreign countries for this vital resource.

Read More

Cast Iron

Cast iron is import to multiple industries, including the heavy duty construction and agricultural industries.

Read More

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)

Platinum

Platinum is critical to the nation’s energy transition and is especially important to the highly-competitive electronics industry. 

Read More

Palladium

Palladium is critical to the nation’s energy transition and is especially important to the highly-competitive electronics industry. 

Read More

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in the production of plastic bottles, packaging materials, and fibers. It is known for its lightweight, transparent, and durable properties, making it a popular choice for various applications. PET is recyclable and commonly identified by the recycling symbol with the number 1 inside, indicating its suitability for recycling and reprocessing.

Read More

Rubber

The materials of modern pneumatic tires are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, and wire, along with carbon black and other chemical compounds.
Read More

Polyamides

This complex polymer includes materials such as nylon and Kevlar.

Read More

Polyolefins

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymer that is known for its strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance. It is a key component in various everyday products, including plastic bags, films, bottles, pipes, and containers. PE is categorized into different types based on its density, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Its properties, affordability, and ease of processing have contributed to its extensive use across numerous industries, from packaging and construction to automotive and medical applications.

Read More

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a highly versatile thermoplastic polymer known for its durability, chemical resistance, and high melting point. It is widely used in a diverse range of applications, including packaging materials, textiles, automotive components, and medical devices. PP offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good impact resistance, and flexibility, making it suitable for various demanding environments. It is also known for its resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation, enhancing its suitability for outdoor and long-term applications. PP is recyclable and widely used in both consumer and industrial products due to its cost-effectiveness and favorable performance characteristics.

Read More

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic polymer that is widely used in the production of disposable foam products, such as food containers, packaging materials, and insulation. It is a lightweight material with excellent thermal insulation properties. PS can exist in two forms: expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as foam or styrofoam, and solid polystyrene. EPS is lightweight, rigid, and offers good cushioning and insulation, while solid polystyrene is transparent, brittle, and commonly used in products like CD cases and disposable cutlery. PS is cost-effective, versatile, and has a wide range of applications due to its ability to be easily molded and its overall durability.

Read More